“Chinese Zodiac ‘Year of the ….'”

Mammoth ivory scrimshaw pendant with sterling silver chain and findings.

(Each sign is explained below. When ordering, enter the sign you want.)

Chinese Astrology is based upon a twelve-year, lunar astrological cycle, with each year represented by a different animal. Each year is further influenced by Yin-Yang and the Five Elements of Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth

Year of the RAT
The sign of the imaginative, charming, and generous. However, they can sometimes be quick-tempered and overly critical. These are the visionaries and opportunists who can see value in what often escapes others. The rat is admired and honored for its cleverness and adaptability. The rat is the sign of good luck and prosperity. They are life’s connoisseurs who take pleasure in doing things with style and possess a great sense of humor. They are capable of charming and captivating almost anyone. While almost overly generous to others, the Rat will also change personality in a heartbeat if a loved one is threatened. They are fiercely protective of those they love. Rats tend to be very self-absorbed when it comes to their goals and ambitions.
Corresponding Western personality traits or sign is Sagittarius.

Year of the OX
The sign of a leader or one who inspires confidence. Tends to be conservative, methodical, and good with their hands. The Ox needs to guard against always demanding their own way or judging others too quickly. The Ox is neither slow witted nor clumsy. These powerful, dependable beings were meant to lead or inspire. While their approach may be slow and methodical, they are capable of great things and never lose sight of their goals. Their stamina is endless and they are detail conscious. They believe in getting things right the first time. They tend to be very independent and though they appear to have no regard for what others think of them, they feel the pain, loneliness and regret that comes from not connecting well with others. The Ox finds comfort and delight from friends and family and work well done. The Ox makes a reliable and protective ally who is tender and affectionate.
Corresponding Western personality traits or sign is Capricorn.

Year of the TIGER
Sensitive and emotional, Tigers are capable of great love and deep thought but they are also moody and can strike at those around them without warning. They have a tendency to get emotionally carried away and can be stubborn. They are often seen as the hotheads or rebels against any authority with which they disagree. But Tigers are also self-assured, charming and fun. They never stop pursuing their goals and do not like to relinquish control. The Tiger is courageous, seductive, dignified and affectionate. The primal nature of their being makes them very attractive to almost all. They tend to handle stress by becoming overly emotional, but when Tigers remain moderated and focus their energy, they can achieve great things.
Corresponding Western personality traits or sign is Aquarius.

Year of the RABBIT
Rabbits are very private individuals, a bit introverted and withdrawn. They are inherently compassionate and protective of those they care about. Rabbits move through life at their own pace and may give far more of themselves than is healthy. They tend to be contemplative which makes them extremely artistic, stylish, keen, wise, tranquil, sophisticated, and considerate, But they can also be emotionally fragile, crafty, and obsessive. Rabbits do best with a strong social foundation of family and friends. They dislike and try to avoid adversity. When angry about something, they will approach it calmly and considerately. While they may seem timid and non-confrontational, do not misunderstand. The Rabbit’s keen wit means they pay close attention to situations around them and their quiet intelligence allows them to handle whatever they observe. Though private, Rabbits are not reclusive and love to express themselves.
Corresponding Western personality traits or sign is Pisces.

Year of the DRAGON
Full of vitality and enthusiasm, Dragons are popular individuals with the reputation of being occasionally foolhardy or too soft-hearted. Dragons are intelligent and gifted but tend to be perfectionists which can make them unduly demanding on others. They are innovative, enterprising, flexible, self-assured, powerful, lucky, warm-hearted and full of energy. But they can also be quick-tempered, conceited, and sometimes overly eccentric. Their charisma influences the actions of those around them and often makes them the center of attention—a place they enjoy being. Although their egos may be a bit inflated, those who learn to be flexible, compassionate and tolerant may become great leaders. While Dragons may acquire great wealth, it is power they truly prefer. Dragons are usually gracious winners but very poor losers.
Corresponding Western personality traits or sign is Aries.

Year of the SNAKE
Deep thinking and intuitive, the Snake is rich in wisdom and charm. Contemplative and private, the Snake is not outwardly emotional. They can appear cunning and reticent and tend to work quietly in their environment. Snakes are far more mentally active than they are physical. They tend to analyze events before joining in. Overall Snakes have reserved dispositions and probing minds that make intellectual pursuits far more attractive to them than physical activity. While not great communicators, Snakes will plot and plan to make certain things turn out exactly as they want them to. At their core, Snakes are a little insecure, and can be very jealous and possessive which can estrange both friends and family. But they can also be alluring and loving. Snakes tend to trust their own intuition over the advice of others. While they tend to be acute, aware, and proud, they can also be vain, vicious and tight with money if they do not learn to be fair-minded.
Corresponding Western personality traits or sign is Taurus.

Year of the HORSE
Horses need their independence and freedom. They are packed with energy and constantly moving from one activity to another. They tend to be good with money and have a passion for travel and talk. Horse people are extemporaneous and quick-witted. They are quite intelligent and use their practicality to their advantage in their business and personal lives. Their sharpness makes them quick to pick up new skills and they are able to handle many tasks at one time. However, their ambition can sometimes leave unfinished relationships, jobs and ventures in their wake. Horses are trustworthy, friendly and open-minded. They are good friends and honest. But they can struggle with obstinacy and self-centeredness, which can lead to a flare of temper if they don’t get their way. Horses are not a patient lot. They can be quite impulsive, self-reliant and tend to follow whims. They are sometimes a little insensitive to the feelings of others in pursuit of their many ventures.
Corresponding Western personality traits or sign is Gemini.

Year of the SHEEP (Goat)
Except for a knack of getting off on the wrong foot with people, the Sheep can be charming company. Sheep are elegant and artistic but tend to be shy and pessimistic about things. Sheep are great nurturers. They care about others and are usually calm individuals with personalities that are quiet, reserved and soothing. They like to be in the company of others but not necessarily the center of attention. They are good at keeping the peace and accomplishing the task at hand. Sheep are also dreamers. They are creative spirits most comfortable while being deep within themselves. To be happy, the Sheep’s mind must be free to roam where it pleases. Sheep are naturally artistic and inventive. They are not pursuers of material wealth and rely more on their imaginations to enrich their lives. Sheep are extremely sensitive and will fret over the most trifling things. Conflict within a relationship will make Sheep retreat further into their minds or physically remove themselves from the scene.
Corresponding Western personality traits or sign is Cancer.

Year of the MONKEY
The Monkey is intelligent and possessed with a clever wit. Their outgoing nature and charming, super-energized personalities make them very well liked The Monkey, however, must guard against being an opportunist and distrustful of other people. Monkeys have an appetite for fun, activity and being the center of attention. They are optimistic and blessed with a razor sharp mind. While Monkeys love to be the center of attention, they are also good listeners. Their curiosity ensures they will be knowledgeable on a wide variety of topics while their intelligence allows them to address any number of complex tasks and situations. Although gifted with a strong intellect, the Monkey often lacks creativity and intuition, which means they find it hard to put themselves in someone else’s shoes. They can also be easily distracted or confused. Monkeys make pleasurable, exhilarating lovers, but there is a possibility they might stray due to a lack of self-control or distraction. They are strong-willed but any anger cools quickly.
Corresponding Western personality traits or sign is Leo.

Year of the ROOSTER
The Rooster is a hard worker; shrewd, definite in decision-making, and often outspoken. Because of this, they may seem boastful to others. They are dreamers, neat, sometimes extravagant, and can be flashy dressers. Quick thinking and ingenious, Roosters are a pragmatic lot who prefer to be conservative and not take risks yet they are invariably brave in the face of hardship. They are so aware of what’s going on around them that it’s not easy to sneak anything by a Rooster. Roosters are frank, honest and admire those who are truthful with them. They are often perfectionists who are willing to fight to be in control and hate to fail. Their appearance is of great importance to them and they love to be noticed and to socialize. They are very loyal, trusting and supportive but only to those who earn it. Roosters do not like dishonesty or mockery of any sort. They are happy when surrounded by others but can suffer wide emotional swings.
Corresponding Western personality traits or sign is Virgo.

Year of the DOG
Dogs are slow to trust but once they do they are deeply loyal, truthful and compassionate personalities. They live by their own uncompromising code of ethics and will champion any cause they deem worthy. Dogs are incredibly attentive but tend to worry too much about others. Sometimes, they should pay more attention to their own needs. Dogs can be very rigid in their thinking and behavior and tend to be moody and sharp tongued at times. They tend to be happier when doing something physical. Dogs can be a bit overwhelming, due in part to their attentive natures. They can march in and take control of a situation, even when it doesn’t involve them directly. This can lead people to think Dogs are nosy, pushy or gossipy, but in reality, they just mean well. Money and status don’t matter much to a Dog. Though they care deeply, Dogs can seem emotionally cold and distant to those who don’t know them well. Once Dogs determine a subject of interest, they usually master it before taking off for a new adventure. They like to finish what they start.
Corresponding Western personality traits or sign is Libra.

Year of the PIG (Boar)
Pigs make the best companions as they are sincere, tolerant, honest, and blessed with patience and understanding. They truly believe there is a higher good in most everyone. Pigs are curious, intelligent beings with a very strong need to set difficult goals and carry them out. Pigs are also deeply sensuous and luxuriant by nature and love the finer things in life. They care deeply for their friends and family and will go to great extremes to keep them happy and well. Pigs do not see helping others as a duty but a pleasure. Pigs can be perceived as naive, lazy or gullible, because they will do almost anything to keep the peace, but the Pig is actually blessed with tremendous fortitude, great honesty and courage. They never like to give up. If a Pig feels they have been wronged they can become obstinate, but it usually doesn’t last long.
Corresponding Western personality traits or sign is Scorpio.

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